Police: Mother intentionally drowned 10-day-old baby boy

By Jordan Mazza
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November 14, 2017 @7:07 PM

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ROCHESTER, N.Y. -- A 10-day-old baby boy is dead and his mother, charged with murder, told police she drowned him after hearing voices in her head.

Officers were called to Locust Street, between Dewey and Fulton avenues on Rochester's northwest side, around 2:30 p.m. Monday for the report of an unresponsive baby. The unconscious child was found in a bathtub and was rushed to a Rochester hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

“The cases of child abuse in our county are always difficult and heartbreaking," said Assistant District Attorney Amanda Balling. "And we would like to bring as much awareness to these issues as possible.”

Police say the victim's mother, Markiya Mitchell, admitted to intentionally drowning the baby boy, named Jeremiah. Court paperwork states that the baby was submerged in bath water for two hours.

Mitchell pleaded not guilty to second-degree murder. The case will head to a grand jury.

She also has a 7-year-old child, currently in the care of a family member.

Dannette Rounds says she was like a grandmother to the children and that Mitchell was a good mother.

“She wasn’t a bad mom in my eyes," Rounds said. "She was loving. Very, very intelligent. And was trying to get her life back on track.”

Community members also they were shocked Mitchell did not seek help.

"To any mothers out there that got little babies, and you need help – say something," said Marvin Williams, who works down the street from where the incident happened. "I’m positive somebody would help you – family, anybody. Just say something, let someone know."